Who is Matt P? 'MasterChef: Generations' contestant's problematic salmon sees him booted

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P is in the Air Force
UPDATED JUN 13, 2024
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P auditioned for the cooking competition but failed to advance to the next round with his 'overcooked' salmon. Matt is a 27-year-old Air Force captain from Tacoma, Washington.

He prepared Parmesan-crusted salmon with Tomato and Cilantro Chutney with Whipped Potatoes. The Fox show judges were quite unimpressed with the food. Gordon Ramsay called it "simple" and hoped it tastes more exciting than it looked. Meanwhile, guest judge, Nick DiGiovanni said that the salmon was overcooked and gave him a "no."

However, Gordon loved Matt's discipline but said that he couldn't give him a yes. He added, "Just the way you present yourself is so respectful." Gordon further noted that Matt could have earn the apron, "If that salmon was cooked four minutes less." He told the young chef, "It’s my hope that you’ll come back."

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt is a self-taught cook (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P failed to earn apron (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)

Gordon Ramsay warns Matt P about 'overcooked' salmon

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 judges Gordon Ramsay and Nick DiGiovanni visited Matt's table to see his cooking. However, the judges duo instantly warned Matt about the salmon being overcooked. Matt told the judges that he had put the fish in the oven to cook its skin side down.

Gordon was shocked by Matt's response and said, "It's in the oven already? It's not overcooked?" Gordon's question sparked doubt in Matt and he instantly started checking the fish. Meanwhile, Gordin warned him, "Young man, don't overcook that salmon."

Matt overcooked salmon (@fox)
Matt P overcooked salmon (@fox)

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P is a self-taught cook

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt taught himself to cook after he didn't like his Air Force Academy mess food. He started cooking just to feed himself good food which later turned into his passion. He fell in love with the process and now he hoped to impress the judges.

Just before his audition, Matt took to his social media and teased his appearance. Matt wrote, "Let’s see if I can get that white apron or if I fail big time." He then thanked his amazing commander, Lt Col Laila Barasha for giving him the opportunity to compete in the culinary competition. He was also thankful to his "late, incredible grandmother, Dorothy, for giving me the cooking bug."

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt is a self-taught cook (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P is a self-taught cook (Instagram/@matty_p_chef)

'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 airs every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on Fox.

RELATED TOPICS MASTERCHEF (2010)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix lifts the veil on Palm Beach’s most exclusive circles as ‘Members Only’ reveals the rules, rivalries, and secrets of elite society.
1 day ago
'The Road' on CBS featured 12 new voices judged by country music stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton
Dec 22, 2025
Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
Dec 18, 2025
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
Dec 18, 2025
Savannah Louie, Sophie Balerdi, and Sage Ahrens-Nichols were the final three contestants who competed for the title of 'Survivor' Season 49
Dec 18, 2025
The milestone 'Survivor' Season 50 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Dec 18, 2025
Aiden Ross claimed victory on 'The Voice' Season 28, marking Niall Horan’s undefeated streak as coach
Dec 17, 2025
The Top 6 who competed for the win were Aiden Ross, Jazz McKenzie, Ralph Edwards, Max Chambers, Aubrey Nicole, and DEK of Hearts
Dec 17, 2025
14-year-old Chambers entertained fans with his strong vocals after making a wild card entry into the 'The Voice' Season 28 finals
Dec 17, 2025
'The Voice' Season 29 is slated to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026
Dec 17, 2025